CAROLINE ANSELL MP: Grateful to Eastbourne households internet hosting Ukrainian refugees

The shift of Russian forces away from Kyiv and to the east has at the very least allowed the British Embassy within the Ukrainian capital to reopen although it seems the battle will proceed for a while but. Chances are you’ll recall British diplomatic employees relocated to the relative security of the western metropolis of Lviv previous to the start of the invasion in February.

The shift within the combating has additionally led to extra Ukrainians returning dwelling. Hostilities have existed within the Donetsk and Luhansk areas since 2014 so this isn’t a brand new improvement for many struggle hardened Ukrainians.

The UN has estimated that 30,000 are returning every day. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless thousands and thousands displaced in neighbouring nations like Poland and hundreds have been granted visas to the UK.

The newest figures I’ve are that greater than 86,000 visas have been granted from a complete of 117,600 purposes for each household and sponsorship schemes. Thus far 27,000 Ukrainians have arrived within the UK.

Right here in Eastbourne, 21 Ukrainians have arrived and have been given properties by 9 hosts. I’m so grateful to these native households for his or her generosity and I thank them.

Alongside visas, one other difficulty producing casework from my postbag is delays in acquiring passports.

This can be a nationwide drawback and has been largely attributable to an enormous surge in purposes from individuals who didn’t renew their passport through the pandemic however they’re doing so now overseas journey is again.

The Cupboard Workplace Minister Steve Barclay met with bosses from the Passport Workplace final week and I’m assured by him that an ideal deal is being executed to clear the backlog.

Nonetheless, that is worrying and irritating for many who have booked holidays and utilized in good time for his or her new passport. The excellent news is extra employees are being drafted in to assist however demand stays very excessive for the time being. Most individuals are nonetheless getting their passports inside six weeks, however this can’t be assured. If you happen to want a brand new passport, the recommendation is to use as quickly as doable.

For these on vacation in Eastbourne and for us at dwelling, there’s a great present to soak up on the Royal Hippodrome as I can attest after final evening’s efficiency. Strictly Showtime’ is all the pieces it guarantees to be – a glowing, joyful, musical delight and an enormous tribute to all at The Theatre.

Forward of a return to Westminster and The Queen’s Speech subsequent week, I’ve a run of busy days right here at dwelling and looking out ahead to assembly you wherever I’m going.